Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Symbolism In the Bible, blackness often symbolizes mourning, suffering, or judgment. It is used metaphorically to describe a state of despair or calamity. The imagery of blackness can also represent the absence of light, which is frequently associated with the presence of God, truth, and righteousness. Biblical References 1. Mourning and Suffering Blackness is associated with mourning and suffering in several passages. In the book of Job, Job describes his condition using the imagery of blackness: "My skin grows black and peels, and my bones burn with fever" (Job 30:30). This description highlights the depth of Job's affliction and sorrow. 2. Judgment and Calamity The prophets often use blackness to depict the coming judgment and calamity upon nations. In Jeremiah 4:28, the prophet declares, "For this the earth will mourn, and the heavens above grow dark. I have spoken; I have purposed and will not relent, nor will I turn back." Here, the darkening of the heavens symbolizes the severity of God's impending judgment. 3. Absence of Light Blackness is also used to describe the absence of divine light and guidance. In Exodus 10:21-23, during the plague of darkness in Egypt, "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over the land of Egypt—a darkness that can be felt.' So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days." This tangible darkness signifies the withdrawal of God's presence and favor. 4. Spiritual Darkness In the New Testament, blackness can symbolize spiritual darkness or ignorance. In Jude 1:13, false teachers are described as "wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever." This imagery underscores the eternal separation from God that awaits those who reject His truth. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, blackness was often associated with mourning rituals. Sackcloth, a coarse, dark fabric, was worn during times of grief and repentance. This cultural practice is reflected in biblical accounts, where wearing sackcloth and ashes is a common expression of lamentation and humility before God (e.g., Jonah 3:5-6). Theological Implications The use of blackness in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition apart from God. It illustrates the consequences of sin, the reality of divine judgment, and the need for repentance and redemption. The contrast between darkness and light is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the transformative power of God's presence and the hope found in His salvation. Conclusion While blackness in the Bible often conveys negative connotations, it also serves as a backdrop against which the light of God's grace and truth shines more brightly. The imagery of blackness invites believers to seek the light of Christ, who dispels darkness and brings life and hope to a fallen world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being black; black color; atrociousness or enormity in wickedness.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BLACKNESS(kimririm, "obscurations"; qadhruth, "darkness"; gnophos, "darkness" zophos "blackness"): Terms rarely used but of special significance in picturing the fearful gloom and blackness of moral darkness and calamity. Job, cursing, the day of his birth, wishes that it, a dies ater ("dead black day"), might be swallowed up in darkness (Job 3:5). Because of Israel's spiritual infidelity Yahweh clothes the heavens with the blackness of sackcloth (Isaiah 50:3), the figure being that of the inky blackness of ominous, terrifying thunder clouds. The fearful judgment against sin under the old dispensation is illustrated by the appalling blackness that enveloped smoking, burning, quaking Sinai at the giving of the law (Hebrews 12:18; compare Exodus 19:16-19; Exodus 20:18). The horror of darkness culminates in the impenetrable blackness of the under-world, the eternal abode of fallen angels and riotously immoral and ungodly men (Jude 1:13; see also Jude 1:6 and 2 Peter 2:4, 17). Human language is here too feeble to picture the m oral gloom and rayless night of the lost: "Pits (the King James Version "chains") of darkness" (compare the ninth plague of Egypt, "darkness which may be felt" (Exodus 10:21)). Wicked men are "wandering stars," comets that disappear in "blackness of darkness. reserved for ever." In art this figurative language has found majestic and awe-inspiring expression in Dore's illustrations of Dante's Purgatory and Milton's Paradise Lost. Greek 2217. zophos -- deep gloom ... blackness, darkness, mist. Akin to the base of nephos; gloom (as shrouding like a cloud) -- blackness, darkness, mist. see GREEK nephos. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2217.htm - 7k 1105. gnophos -- darkness, gloom Strong's Hebrew 7839. shacharuth -- blackness... 7838, 7839. shacharuth. 7840 . blackness. Transliteration: shacharuth Phonetic Spelling: (shakh-ar-ooth') Short Definition: life. ... /hebrew/7839.htm - 6k 7815. shechor -- blackness 6940. qadruth -- darkness, gloom 3650. kimrir -- darkness, gloominess 6289. parur -- perhaps beauty Library Hebrews xii. 18-24 The Wordless Book Look not Upon Me Because I am Dark-Colored, Because the Sun Hath ... I am Black, but Comely, O Ye Daughters of Jerusalem, as the Tents ... Whether all Sorrow is Contrary to all Pleasure? The Life of Mr. Andrew Melvil. The King --Continued. Sin and Grace The Death of Christ for his People Of the Law and a Christian Thesaurus Blackness (13 Occurrences)... (n.) The quality or state of being black; black color; atrociousness or enormity in wickedness. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BLACKNESS. ... /b/blackness.htm - 12k Black (52 Occurrences) Nether (19 Occurrences) Reserved (28 Occurrences) Blackest (5 Occurrences) Storm (62 Occurrences) Darkness (177 Occurrences) Forever (426 Occurrences) Vilifying (1 Occurrence) Out-places (22 Occurrences) Resources What is Tenebrae? What is a Tenebrae service? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about astronomy? | GotQuestions.org What are presumptuous sins? | GotQuestions.org Blackness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Blackness (13 Occurrences)Hebrews 12:18 2 Peter 2:17 Jude 1:13 Job 3:5 Proverbs 7:9 Proverbs 20:20 Isaiah 50:3 Lamentations 4:8 Joel 2:2 Joel 2:6 Amos 5:8 Nahum 2:10 Zephaniah 1:15 Subtopics Blackness: Blackness of Darkness Related Terms |
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